A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949)

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Bing Crosby looks very stiff and awkward as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, a court, might I add, that is filled with the most cartoonish Camelot possible. A sniffly old King Arthur, a villainous Merlin, a foolish knight, a super-strong Lancelot (and why is Morgaine in this if she's not going to be a concern?). Mark Twain's time travel fantasy is completely remixed with events happening out of order, and different characters playing different roles. And of course, the title Yankee uses songs to confound the locals as much as technical wizardry from the turn of the Century. So it's not to say the movie doesn't have its joys. It can be quite amusing, especially in its physical comedy, and there are a couple of fun songs. I also like the conceit of actors in the past playing their spiritual descendants in the present, even if it means the movie kind of blows some of its surprises through the frame tale. Just don't go into this as a Mark Twain purist. You'll only hurt yourself. 3 years 7 months ago